Research Paradigm Trends and Mixed Methods Design Transparency in a Top Science Education Journal

• In Event: 52.084 - Roundtable Session 20
  In Roundtable Session: 52.084-8 - The Use of Mixed-Methods Research in Different Disciplinary and Methodological Contexts

Abstract

Besides the use of the qualitative or quantitative tradition in science education research, there has been a growing interest in mixed methods paradigm in the last decades (Plano Clark, 2010). The purpose of this systematic methodology review was to identify research paradigm preferences (i.e., qualitative only, quantitative only, and mixed methods) and mixed methods design transparency in the number one ranked peer-reviewed science education journal during last year. After the analysis of 67 articles (April 2015-April 2016), the findings show that: (1) this top journal had a qualitative trend; (2) case study was the most popular approach; (3) science education researchers prefer mixed methods advanced designs; and (4) there is still work to do to increase mixed methods’ design transparency.

Author

• Ana Margarita Rivero Arias, University of Nebraska - Lincoln